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Work-Related Traumatic Stress Response in Nurses Employed in COVID-19 Settings

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Karanikola

    (Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3041, Cyprus)

  • Meropi Mpouzika

    (Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3041, Cyprus)

  • Elizabeth Papathanassoglou

    (Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada)

  • Katerina Kaikoushi

    (Cyprus Community Mental Health Services, Famagusta 5566, Cyprus)

  • Anna Hatzioannou

    (Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3041, Cyprus)

  • Ioannis Leontiou

    (Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3041, Cyprus)

  • Chris Livadiotis

    (Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3041, Cyprus)

  • Nicos Christophorou

    (Limassol General Hospital, Limassol 3041, Cyprus)

  • Andreas Chatzittofis

    (Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 1065, Cyprus
    Department of Clinical Sciences/Psychiatry, Umeå University, 901 85 Umeå, Sweden)

Abstract

Nurses may be at a higher risk of experiencing work-related traumatic stress response during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to other clinicians. This study aimed to investigate the correlations between work-related trauma symptoms and demographic factors, psychosocial hazards and stress response in a census sample of nurses working in COVID-19 settings in Cyprus. In this nationwide descriptive and cross-sectional study, data were collected between April and May 2020 using a questionnaire that included sociodemographic, educational and employment and work-related variables, as well as a modified version of the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS) for the assessment of work-related trauma symptoms during the pandemic. Overall, 233 nurses participated (with a response rate of 61.3%) and 25.7% of them reported clinical work-related trauma symptoms (STSS-M > 55; actual scale range: 17–85). The mean value for emotional exhaustion was 7.3 (SD: 2.29; visual scale range: 1–10), while the value for distress that was caused by being avoided due to work in COVID-19 units was 6.98 (SD: 2.69; visual scale range: 1–10). Positive associations were noted between trauma symptoms and both emotional exhaustion and distress from being avoided by others due to work in a COVID-19 setting and a negative association was also found between trauma symptoms and satisfaction from organizational support variables (all p < 0.002). Working in COVID-19 settings during the pandemic is a stressful experience that has been linked to psychologically traumatic symptoms Thus, supportive measures are proposed for healthcare personnel, even in countries with low COVID-19 burden.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Karanikola & Meropi Mpouzika & Elizabeth Papathanassoglou & Katerina Kaikoushi & Anna Hatzioannou & Ioannis Leontiou & Chris Livadiotis & Nicos Christophorou & Andreas Chatzittofis, 2022. "Work-Related Traumatic Stress Response in Nurses Employed in COVID-19 Settings," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:17:p:11049-:d:906036
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    References listed on IDEAS

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